Dispenser, comb, housing and method of using the dispenser

ABSTRACT

A dispenser includes a first pouch configured to store a first component of a two component material, a second pouch, separate from the first pouch, and configured to store a second component of the two-component material, an outlet part having an outlet via which the first and second components stored in the first and second pouches are capable of being dispensed after the first and second components have been mixed in the outlet part, and a neck connected to the first and second pouches, a longitudinal axis of the dispenser extending in parallel to the outlet, and the first and second pouches being compressible towards one another in the direction of the longitudinal axis, the outlet part axially moveable relative to the first and second pouches in a direction towards the neck along the longitudinal axis.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a U.S. National Stage application of International Application No. PCT/EP2020/072393, filed Aug. 10, 2020, which claims priority to European Patent Application No. 19191809.3, filed Aug. 14, 2019, the contents of each of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND Field of the Invention

The present disclosure relates to a dispenser for hair coloring agents, comprising two separate pouches, each pouch being configured to store a component of a two-component material, the dispenser further comprising an outlet part having an outlet via which the materials stored in the pouches can be dispensed after these have been mixed in the outlet part, and a neck connected to the two pouches, wherein a longitudinal axis of the dispenser extends in parallel to the outlet and the two pouches are compressible towards one another in the direction of the longitudinal axis, wherein the outlet part is axially moveable relative to the pouches in a direction towards the neck along the longitudinal axis. The disclosure further relates to a comb and to a housing for the dispenser as well as to a method of using the dispenser.

Background Information

Conventional beard and hair coloring systems require hand mixing of two component coloring agents which is undesirable for consumers as it is messy and smelly.

SUMMARY

It has been determined that dispensers for use in hair coloration processes have to be simple to handle and comparatively small such that a hair professional can have various colors on stock. A storage life of the materials stored in the dispenser has to be ensured, such that a hair professional does not have to regularly discard various colors. Furthermore, the dispensers have to reliably discharge and mix the two components.

For this reason, it is an object of the embodiments of the invention to make available a dispenser that is comparatively simple to handle, is compact and which reliably mixes two component materials. It is a further object to make available a cost-effective dispenser which is simple to manufacture and to fill and which ensures a long storage life of the materials stored therein.

This object is satisfied by a dispenser described herein.

One such dispenser for hair coloration, comprises two separate pouches, each pouch being configured to store a component of a two-component material, the dispenser further comprising an outlet part having an outlet via which the materials stored in the pouches can be dispensed after these have been mixed in the outlet part, and a neck connected to the two pouches, wherein a longitudinal axis of the dispenser extends in parallel to the outlet and the two pouches are compressible towards one another in the direction of the longitudinal axis, wherein the outlet part is axially moveable relative to the pouches in a direction towards the neck along the longitudinal axis.

The improved outlet design of the two pouches in the form of a common outlet part enables a more constant mixing ratio and makes it easier to extrude the two materials. Integrating the outlet part such that it directly cooperates with a neck of the pouches ensures a comparatively compact assembly of the dispenser.

The dispenser is opened only by an axial displacement of the outlet part relative to the two pouches, thereby the dispenser is simple in its handling.

The dispenser can further comprise a membrane which on opening the dispenser can be pierced. Such a membrane can be reliably used to seal off the respective pouches in order to increase a storage lifetime of components stored in the dispenser.

An outlet from each of the pouches can guided through the common neck, such that on moving the outlet part towards the neck the outlet part can be brought into fluid communication with both pouches at the same time during the same movement.

The outlet part can thus be configured to be brought into contact with the two outlets to permit a flow of the respective liquid into the outlet part.

The outlet part can comprise a plunger, with the plunger being moveably received in a sleeve associated with the neck. By such a plunger one can ensure activation of the dispenser.

The neck can comprise passages connected to outlets of the pouches, wherein on axially moving the outlet part towards the neck, the passages can be brought into fluid communication with the outlet.

The outlet part can comprise a static mixer arranged therein, with the static mixer being configured to mix the materials stored in the pouches.

The mixer is integrated in the dispenser. On squeezing the pouches the material stored therein can be output to the mixer if this has been moved towards the neck and bring about a mixing of the material stored in the dispenser. The static mixer ensures a good quality and reliable mixing of the two-component material of the hair coloring agent. The static mixer can thus be integrated into the outlet part of the dispenser and into the part of the dispenser responsible for opening the dispenser.

The two pouches can be arranged at either side of plate, optionally wherein the two pouches are welded to the plate. On squeezing the pouches towards one another the plate forms a resistance which permits a more controlled dispensing of the materials stored in the pouches out of the dispenser. Leading to improved mixing results.

The plate can comprise the neck, with the neck comprising outlets of the pouches. In this way a comparatively simple and compact design of the dispenser can be realized.

The dispenser can further comprise a plunger forming part of the outlet part, wherein the plunger can comprise a cylindrical portion that is configured to engage the sleeve associated with the neck. Such a cylindrical portion is comparatively simple to manufacture and use in order to enable a dispensing from the dispenser.

The plunger can comprise a ring-shaped projection, wherein the ring-shaped projection can be received in a channel present at an inner surface of the sleeve. The plunger can thereby be latched to the sleeve avoiding the plunger from becoming detached from the dispenser. Moreover, the plunger can be guided in the channel towards the neck on opening the dispenser, thereby a use of the dispenser is further simplified.

In this connection it should be noted that a length of the guide channel in parallel to the longitudinal axis can define a distance the outlet part can be moved relative to the sleeve.

The cylindrical portion of the plunger can be adapted to move in a slot formed between the passages and the sleeve. The slot can act as a guide to simplify the opening of the dispenser and to ensure that the passages come into fluid communicating contact with the mixer arranged in the outlet part to improve the mixing results achievable with such a dispenser.

The outlet part can be connected to or connectable to a dispensing outlet, optionally wherein the dispensing outlet is a brush, comb or the like. The hair coloring agent or the like can be distributed evenly via such a dispensing outlet simplifying the use of the dispenser. Also a contact a hair professional can have with the hair coloring agent can be minimized by guiding the mixed material straight to a comb for application at a customers' head.

The comb can comprise two welded parts. A passage for the mixed material can exist within one of the parts, and the second part can comprise the pouches filled with the respective material. By applying a pressure on the front end of the comb the outlet part can be moved towards the sleeve to open and use the device.

The two pouches can be arranged within a compressible housing that is separate from the pouches, the compressible housing having first and second halves which can be moved relative to one another for the purpose of dispensing.

The housing can also be referred to as a clip. The clip respectively the housing permits the application of a uniform pressure on the pouches such that equal amounts of the material can arrive at the static mixer at the same time, such that considerably improved mixing results can be achieved using the housing.

The first and second halves can be connected to one another via a joint, in particular wherein the first and second halves are permanently connected to one another; wherein the joint can optionally be one of a film hinge and joint having a cylindrically shaped inner space configured to receive a rear end of the plate. In this way a comparatively simple and easy to manufacture housing can be produced by which reliable and repeatable mixing results can be achieved.

According to a farther aspect embodiments of the present invention relate to a housing for a dispenser, the housing comprising a joint connecting two halves of the housing, two supports having elongate recesses for receiving a plate of the dispenser, the two supports being connected to each of the two halves via respective arms.

Such a housing ensures the uniform application of pressure on the pouches of the dispenser such that similar amounts of the material stored in each pouch can simultaneously arrive in the outlet part leading to improved mixing results in comparison to not using a housing.

According to a further aspect embodiments of the present invention relate to a comb connectable to the dispenser, the comb comprising a distributor and teeth for distributing mixed materials dispensed from the dispenser.

By such a comb the mixed material can be directly applied at the hair to be treated. In this connection it should be noted that the two component material can also be a flea treating agent, a tick treating agent or a further agent used to treat hair of a human or animal, an agent used in the care treatment of humans and/or animals, such as e.g, a crème, a sun screen, an antiaging fluid, a bleaching product, a gel, etc. and/or for medical treatment of humans and/or animals, e.g. first aid gel, antibacterial fluids, etc., the agent likewise being able to be dispensed using the comb and dispenser described herein. Alternatively the agents can be dispensed with other kinds of dispensing outlets as described herein in dependence on the precise application of the agent.

According to a further aspect the present invention relates to the use of a dispenser. The method comprises the steps of:

-   a. axially moving the outlet part towards the neck; -   b. pressing the pouches in order to urge the material stored in the     pouches out of the neck towards the outlet part; -   c. mixing the material urged out of the pouches in the outlet part;     and -   d. dispensing the mixed material via the outlet of the dispenser.

By such a method the dispenser described in the foregoing can be reliably used.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The invention will be explained in more detail hereinafter with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a dispenser mounted in a housing;

FIG. 2 is a side view of the dispenser of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the housing of FIG. 1 with the dispenser removed;

FIG. 4 is a part sectional view of an outlet part of the dispenser of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a beard and mustache dispenser;

FIG. 6 is a side view of the beard and mustache dispenser of FIG. 5; and

FIG. 7 is a sectional view of the section indicated at the sectional lines A:A of FIG. 6.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following the same reference numerals will be used for parts having the same or equivalent function. Any statements made having regard to the direction of a component are made relative to the position shown in the drawing and can naturally vary in the actual position of application.

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a dispenser 10 mounted in a housing 12. The housing 12 has first and second halves 14, 16 pivotally mounted at a joint 18, such that the first and second halves 14, 16 can be moved towards one another at their front sides 14′, 16′ arranged at their respective end opposite to the joint 18.

In order to guide the movement of the first and second halves 14, 16 arms 20 are arranged at their front sides 14′, 16′. The arms are mounted at a support 22 arranged between the arms 20 of the respective first and second halves 14, 16. The arms 20 are connected to the respective first and second halves 14, 16 via shoulders.

Each support 22 comprises a respective channel configured to receive part of a plate 26 of the dispenser 10. A rear end 30 of the plate 28 is received within the joint 18. In this way the plate 28 and hence the dispenser 10 is supported at three positions within the housing 12, namely at the joint 18 and at the supports 22.

The rear end 30 has a cylindrical outer shape which is formed complementary to a cylindrically shaped inner space of the joint 18 of the housing 12. The cylindrically shaped rear end 30 is thus received in the cylindrically shaped inner space of the joint 18. The complementary shaped joint and rear end 30 enable a smoother clamping of the first and second halves 14, 16 towards one another.

The dispenser 10 comprises a first pouch 32 arranged at a top side 28′ of the plate 28. As indicated in FIG. 2 a second pouch 34 is arranged at a bottom side 28″ of the plate 28.

The dispenser 10 further comprises an outlet part 36 having an outlet 38 with an outlet opening 40. The outlet part 36 further comprises an outlet tube 42 extending from within the outlet part 36 to the outlet opening 40. The outlet part 36 can be moved along the longitudinal axis A extending in parallel to a central axis of the outlet tube 42 in the direction of a sleeve 44 arranged at the plate 28 of the dispenser.

FIG. 2 shows a side view of the dispenser 10 removed from the housing 14. The outlet part 36 comprises a plunger 48 in which the outlet tube 42 is accommodated. The plunger 48 is received in the sleeve 44. The plunger 48 can be moved in the direction of the sleeve 44 and into the sleeve 44 along the longitudinal axis A.

Upon moving the plunger 48 into the sleeve 44 a connection is made between the outlet part 36 and a neck 56 of the first and second pouches 32, 34. This connection permits dispensing of the respective material M stored in the first and second pouches 32, 34 from the first and second pouches via the outlet 38.

The plunger 48 comprises a cylindrical body 50 which expands via a conical part 52 to a cylindrical end portion 54. Upon using the dispenser 10 a user can push the plunger 48 via the cylindrical end portion 54 towards the sleeve 44.

Each pouch 32, 34 is configured to store the same amount of material M. Also other designs are possible in which different ratios of volumes of material M are stored in the different pouches 32, 34. The dispenser is a two-component dispenser 10 and the material M stored in each pouch is mixed in the outlet part 36 once this has been moved towards the neck 56 adjoining the sleeve 44.

The first and second pouches 32, 34 are preferably connected to the plate 28, but can also be connected to the neck and be moveable relative to the plate 28.

An amount of fluid that can be stored in each pouch 32, 34 can be selected to be in the range of 5 ml to 100 ml, depending on the application.

The material to be stored in the dispenser 10 is a two component material M, and can be selected from the group of members comprising, a coloring agent, a bonding agent, a treating agent, a lice treating agent etc.

FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of the housing 12 of FIG. 1 with the dispenser 10 removed. The recess 26 of the supports 22 has an elongate shape and is configured such that on closing the two halves 14, 16, the supports 22 can slide in parallel to the longitudinal axis A in the direction of the joint 18 along the plate 28.

In this connection it should be noted that the recesses 26 can comprise a latching mechanism which cooperates with corresponding parts at the plate 28. By way of example the recess 26 can comprise a projection, such as a tooth or a bulge, at its inner surface, that cooperates with an aperture or recess present at the plate 28 or vice versa (both not shown).

Upon closing the first and second halves 14, 16 towards one another with the pouches 32, 34 arranged therebetween, the first and second halves 14, 16 ensure that the material M stored in the respective pouch can be dispensed via the outlet 38.

The arms 20 are of equal length and the position of each support 22 is symmetrical with respect to the first and second halves 14, 16, such that a uniform dispensing of the materials M is affected by a like pressure being applied at each pouch 32, 34.

It is not necessarily required to use the housing 12 on dispensing the material M from the dispenser 10. However, the use of the housing 12 ensures a more uniform application of pressure on the pouches 32, 34 on dispensing and therefore leads to improved mixing results. These improved mixing results are brought about as the same amount of material M is respectively dispensed from the pouches 32, 34.

FIG. 4 shows a part sectional view of the outlet part 36 of the dispenser 10 of FIG. 1. The outlet part 36 comprises a static mixer 58. A rear end 60 of the static mixer is connectable to two inlet passages 62 of which only one is visible. Each inlet passage 62 is associated with one of the pouches 32, 34.

On moving the outlet part 36 towards the neck 56, the respective inlet passages 62 come into contact with the static mixer 58, such that a fluid communication can take place between a respective outlet 64 associated with the respective pouch 32, 34, the passages 62 and the static mixer 58.

The passages 62 can be covered with a membrane (not shown) extending perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A. The membrane can be pierced on moving the outlet part 36 towards the neck 56. The membrane can seal off the outlets 64 of the pouches 32, 34 and prevent a contamination and/or degradation of the material M stored in the pouches 32, 34.

A back end 66 of the outlet tube 42 is connected to an inner surface 68 of the plunger 48 via a disc-shaped part 70. The disc-shaped part 70 is connected to and extends completely around the outlet tube 42. Moreover, the inner surface 68 of the plunger 48 is connected to and completely surrounds the disc-shaped part 70, so that the space within the outlet tube 42 is sealed off from the outside at this portion of the outlet part 36.

A ring space 68′ is disposed between the between the outlet tube 42 and the cylindrical portion 50 of the plunger 48. This ring space 68′ is not necessarily required, in which case the cylindrical portion 50 forms the outlet tube 42 housing the static mixer 58, as is e.g. indicated in FIG. 7.

An outer surface 72 of the cylindrical portion 50 of the plunger 48 comprises a ring-shaped projection 74. The ring-shaped projection 74 is received in a guide channel 76 present at an inner surface 78 of the sleeve 44. A length of the guide channel 76 defines a distance the outlet part 36 can be moved relative to the sleeve 44.

An inner surface 80 of the cylindrical portion 50 of the plunger 48 is adapted to move relative to an outer surface 82 of the passages 62. Specifically, the cylindrical portion 50 of the plunger 48 can move in a slot 84 which is present between the passages 62 and the inner surface 78 of the sleeve 44.

FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of a beard and mustache dispenser 10′. A dispenser 10 very similar to the dispenser 10 illustrated in connection with the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 4 is attached to the beard and mustache dispenser 10′.

The outlet 38 of the dispenser 10 is connected to an outlet passage 86 of the beard and mustache dispenser 10′. The outlet passage 86 is configured to guide the mixed two-component material M to a dispensing outlet 88′ in the form of the comb 88 for distribution of the hair color at a person whose beard, mustache and/or hair is currently being treated. In order to ensure a uniform distribution via the comb 88 a distributor 90 is arranged between the comb 88 and the outlet passage 86. The distributer 90 guides approximately equal shares of the mixed two-component material M to each tooth 92 of the comb 88.

In this connection it should be noted that the amount of material provided at each tooth 92 of the comb 88 can be different, and/or that only every second or third tooth 92 of the comb 88 is supplied with the mixed two-component material M from the distributor 90.

A width of the comb 88 can be selected in the range of 1.5 to 10 cm. A length of the teeth 92 can be selected in the range of 0.5 to 2 cm. A length of the dispenser 10′ can he selected in the range of 10 to 20 cm between a tip of the teeth 92 and the rear end 30. A length of the dispenser 10 between the outlet opening 40 and the rear end 30 can be selected in the range of 5 to 1.5 cm.

A material of the teeth 92 can be identical to the material of the dispenser 10, but can also be different. For example, the comb and distributor can be formed of a metal and can be releasable connected to the dispenser 10 via a non-shown connection. In this case the comb 88 can be cleaned following a use and re-used with a disposable dispenser 10.

In this connection also other kinds of dispensing outlets 88′ can be provided at the dispenser 10. The dispensing outlet can for example comprise comparatively soft bristles, a long slot etc. In this connection it should be further noted that the applicator geometry provided as the dispensing outlet 88′ makes available special types of treatment. By way of example, comparatively soft bristles can be used for dispensing cremes, whereas comparatively rigid bristles (e.g. in the form of the comb 88) provides for an improved separation of hair and can be used for the treatment of hair or skin lying beneath the hair. In contrast to this a soft applicator with nobs can generate a massage effect etc. Thus various kinds of geometries of applicators can be used as a dispensing outlet 88′ for the dispenser 10 described herein on the basis of the example of the comb 88.

FIG. 6 shows a side view of the beard and mustache dispenser 10′ of FIG. 5. The comb 88 is arranged at an angle of 25° to the longitudinal axis A. In order to prevent the mixed material M from being blocked in the outlet passage 86, this angle is achieved via an outlet passage 86 curved relative to the longitudinal axis A. The angle between the comb 88 and the longitudinal axis A can be selected in the range of 0 to 45°.

FIG. 7 shows a sectional view of the dispenser 10 installed at the beard and mustache dispenser 10′ taken along the sectional lines A:A of FIG. 6.

The outlet part 36 does not comprise the space 68′ shown in the dispenser 10 of e.g. FIG. 4. Furthermore, the cylindrical body 50 transitions abruptly into the cylindrical portion 54 via a planar surface 94. The planar surface 94 is arranged perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A.

A pre-mixing volume 96 is arranged between the passages 62 and the rear end 60 of the static mixer 58. The material M dispensed from the pouches 32, 34 enters this pre-mixing volume 96 prior to entering the static mixer 58.

An end 44′ of the sleeve 44 is connected to the neck 56 via two projections 98 projecting into two recesses 100. The recesses 100 are present at an outer surface 44″ of the sleeve 44, whereas the projections 98 are present at an inner surface 56′ of the neck 56.

The outlets 64 of the first and second pouches 32, 34 are also visible and connect the first and second pouches 32, 34 to the passages 62.

The pouches 32, 34 can be film bag pouches whose walls are formed by a single or multi-layer film. Alternatively, walls of the pouches 32, 34 can be formed from very thin injection molded plastic parts.

In this connection it should be noted that a material 32, 34 of the pouches and/or a material of at least some of the remaining parts of the dispenser can comprise a plastic polymer, such as a thermoplastic, e.g. PET (polyethylene terephthalate), LDPE (low-density polyethylene), HDPE (high-density polyethylene), PVC (polyvinyl chloride), PP (polypropylene), PS (polystyrene), a thermosetting plastic or an elastomer.

In this connection it should be noted that the various parts of the dispenser 10, such as the outlet part 36, the mixer 58, the sleeve 44, the neck 56, the plate 28, the housing 12 and the comb 88 can comprise a plastic selected from the above group. The material of the various parts being selected for its intended purpose, e.g. the mixer 58 can be formed from a harder plastic (e.g. HDPE) than e.g. the pouches (LDPE). 

1. A dispenser for hair coloring agents, the dispenser comprising: a first pouch configured to store a first component of a two component material; a second pouch, separate from the first pouch, and configured to store a second component of the two-component material; and an outlet part having an outlet via which the first and second components stored in the first and second pouches are capable of being dispensed after the first and second components have been mixed in the outlet part, and a neck connected to the first and second pouches, a longitudinal axis of the dispenser extending in parallel to the outlet, and the first and second pouches being compressible towards one another in the direction of the longitudinal axis, the outlet part axially moveable relative to the first and second pouches in a direction towards the neck along the longitudinal axis.
 2. The dispenser according to claim 1, wherein the outlet part comprises a plunger, the plunger being moveably received in a sleeve associated with the neck.
 3. The dispenser according to claim 1, wherein the neck comprises passages connected to outlets of the first and second pouches, and upon axially moving the outlet part towards the neck, the passages are brought into fluid communication with the outlet of the outlet part.
 4. The dispenser according to claim 1, wherein the outlet part comprises a static mixer arranged therein, with the static mixer being configured to mix the first and second components stored in the first and second pouches.
 5. The dispenser according to claim 1, wherein the first and second pouches are arranged at either side of a plate.
 6. The dispenser according to claim 5, wherein the plate comprises the neck, with the neck comprising outlets of the first and second pouches.
 7. The dispenser according to claim 1, further comprising a plunger forming part of the outlet part, the plunger comprising a cylindrical portion configured to interact with a sleeve associated with the neck.
 8. The dispenser according to claim 7, wherein the plunger comprises a projection, the projection received in a channel at an inner surface of the sleeve.
 9. The dispenser according to claim 7, wherein the neck comprises passages connected to outlets of the first and second pouches, and the cylindrical portion of the plunger is configured to move in a slot (84) formed between the passages and the sleeve.
 10. The dispenser according to claim 1, wherein the outlet part is connected to or connectable to a dispensing outlet.
 11. The dispenser according to claim 1, wherein the first and second pouches are arranged within a compressible housing separate from the first and second pouches, the compressible housing having first and second halves.
 12. The dispenser according to claim 11, wherein the first and second halves are connected to one another via a joint and via supports, the first and second halves permanently connected to one another.
 13. A housing for a dispenser in accordance with claim 1, the housing comprising: a joint connecting two halves of the housing, two supports having elongate recesses configured to receive a plate of the dispenser, the two supports being connected to each of the two halves via respective arms.
 14. A comb connectable to the dispenser of claim 1, the comb comprising: a distributor and teeth for distributing mixed materials dispensed from the dispenser.
 15. A method of operating a dispenser in accordance with claim 1, the method comprising: axially moving the outlet part towards the neck; pressing the first and second pouches to urge the first and second components stored in the first and second pouches out of the neck towards the outlet part; mixing the first and second urged out of the pouches in the outlet part to form a mixed material; and dispensing the mixed material via the outlet of the dispenser.
 16. The dispenser according to claim 5, wherein the first and second pouches are welded to the plate.
 17. The dispenser according to claim 10, wherein the dispensing outlet is a brush, comb or the like.
 18. The dispenser according to claim 12, wherein the joint is one of a film hinge and a joint having a cylindrically shaped inner space configured to receive a rear end of the plate. 